Meowing, purring, jumping, playing, grooming, having naps — these are the common routines of a healthy cat. But when there’s a noticeable change in their routine, it might become a matter of concern. Just like humans, cats can feel anxious, even if there’s no real danger. Anxiety in cats often comes from the anticipation of a threat. As a result, signs of anxiousness show changes in their behavior and physical reactions.
An anxious cat might hide more, tremble, pant, or have a faster heartbeat. You might also notice excessive vocalization, destruction of objects, or restlessness. These signs are especially common in young cats, with many fears or anxieties developing in the first year of life. If you start seeing changes between 5 months and 1 year, addressing them early is important, as they often worsen over time. But first, let’s see which changes trigger a cat’s anxious level:-
What Causes Anxiousness in a Cat?
Figuring out why your cat is anxious can be tricky. However, asking yourself a few questions might help you pinpoint the cause.
- Improper setup of resources: Cats dislike their food, water, and litter boxes being too close. A dirty litter box or lack of private space can cause stress.
- Recent changes at home: Moving, renovations, or even rearranging furniture can unsettle a cat.
- New pet: Introducing a new animal can make your cat feel anxious as they adjust to sharing attention and space.
- New baby: New smells and noises from a baby can disrupt your cat’s sense of calm.
- New cat in the area: A neighborhood cat, especially in your cat’s territory, can trigger anxiety.
However, if you’re dealing with a violent cat, we have some awesome, effective solutions. Check out this article: Simple tips to handle your aggressive cat.
How Do I Tell If My Cat Has Anxiety?
When cats feel uncertain or insecure, they often express it through changes in their behavior. You might notice your cat suddenly acting out in ways they normally wouldn’t — like peeing in places other than their litter box, scratching furniture they usually ignore, or even obsessively grooming themselves. In some cases, this grooming can become so excessive that it leads to bald spots. Think about when these behaviors started. Did something change in your cat’s environment? A new pet, a recent move, or even changes in your daily routine could be the trigger for your cat’s anxiety.
Here are some common signs to help you determine if your cat might be dealing with anxiety:
Physical Symptoms of an Anxious Cat
- Rapid breathing: When a cat is anxious, they start to breathe quickly and shallowly. Because their body tries to increase oxygen intake in response to stress.
- Frequent nose licking: This is kind of similar to how we bite our nails when we feel stressed. Similarly, cats may lick their nose excessively as a self-soothing behavior.
- Tremors and shakes: Sometimes intense emotions can result in tremors and shakes in cats. If your cat feels any kind of fear, anxiety, or stress, you may notice their body shaking or trembling.
- Crouching: When your cat feels threatened or anxious about any new changes, they may crouch down. It makes them appear smaller and less intimidating, more like a defensive posture.
- Flattened ears: A cat’s ears are the most important indicators of any physical symptoms. If your cat flattens their ears against the head, it means they are anxious or aggressive. This posture indicates discomfort or readiness to defend themselves.
- Dilated pupils: If your cat’s eyes are more dilated than dark, then your cat is feeling stressed or anxious. Eyes dilate allowing more light in. This is their body’s way of helping them figure out what danger awaits them.
- Over-grooming: Excessive grooming is a common sign of response to stress or anxiety in a cat. But this can lead to bald patches or sores as your cat tries to self-soothe.
- Vocalization: Growling, hissing, or excessive meowing can be signs of anxiousness or discomfort. They use these kinds of vocalizations to express their fear or aggression.
- Lethargy: Cats are sensitive creatures. Any significant changes in their surroundings or stressful occurrences (like moving to a new home or bridging a new pet)cause disturbances in their habits. As a result, it makes them uneasy or overwhelmed and leads to lethargy.
- Pica: Pica means when your cat is chewing, sucking, or ingesting non-edible items like plastic or wool. This symptom can be a stress response that’s connected to anxiety or other underlying issues.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Some stressed or anxious cats have digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Weight changes: Just as humans, anxiety, stress, and depression can cause your cat to lose appetite and affect their metabolism. As a result, your cat could potentially lose weight.
Behavioral Symptoms of a Stressed Cat
- Aggression: Anxiety can cause your cat to become more aggressive towards people or other pets. This might include hissing, swatting, or biting as a way to express their discomfort or fear.
- Excessive scratching: Your cat may start scratching furniture or other objects more than usual. This behavior can be a way for them to relieve stress or mark their territory when they feel anxious.
If you want to stop them from shredding your house items, then check out this article – 8 ways to stop your cat from scratching your furniture.
- Inappropriate elimination: Stress can lead to your cat urinating or defecating outside the litter box. This behavior often indicates that they are feeling uneasy or that something in their environment is causing them distress.
- Constant meowing: Excessive meowing can be a sign that your cat is stressed or uncomfortable. They might use vocalization to seek attention or express their anxiety.
- Pacing: Your cat may pace around the house, often accompanied by meowing. This restless behavior can be a sign of anxiety or an attempt to find a safe and comfortable spot.
- Urine spraying: This is a common territorial behavior that can become more frequent when your cat is anxious. Spraying helps them feel more secure by marking their territory with their scent.
- Fearful reactions: Your cat may become easily startled by noises or movements. This increased sensitivity can be a sign that they are feeling anxious or threatened.
Feline Anxiety Vs Anxiety Disorders: Signs That Need Vet Attention
Anxiety is a general state of nervousness or fear that can be triggered by various factors like new changes in their surroundings. On the other hand, Anxiety Disorder is a more persistent and severe form of anxiety that can significantly impact a cat’s behavior and well-being.
It’s normal for cats to feel anxious from time to time, especially when faced with sudden changes in their environment. Anxiety in cats can be triggered by unfamiliar noises, new pets, or changes in their routine. In many cases, this anxiety is temporary and resolves once the cat adjusts. However, when anxiety becomes prolonged or severe, it can develop into an anxiety disorder that may affect your cat’s physical and mental health.
A cat with an anxiety disorder may show ongoing signs of stress, even when no real threat is present. This can lead to repetitive or destructive behaviors like excessive grooming, avoiding the litter box, or being overly vocal. Just like in humans, long-term anxiety can harm a cat’s well-being, sometimes leading to conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) or skin problems. While anxiety disorders are not life-threatening emergencies, they do require attention to prevent serious health issues down the road.
Here are a few symptoms to notice when it’s about to consult a veterinarian:
- If your cat has not eaten or drunk water all day and hasn’t urinated in over 24 hours.
- If your cat is exhibiting physical symptoms such as excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
- If your cat is straining or crying but cannot pass urine or stool.
- If your cat’s third eyelid is partially covering one or both of your cat’s eyes.
- If your cat is panting or breathing rapidly, even when resting, it’s a serious concern.
These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening situation and should not be ignored. Always trust your instincts—if something seems off with your cat, it’s better to seek help sooner rather than later.
Take Care of Your Anxious Cat
Helping an anxious cat requires patience and gentle care. Change can be overwhelming for cats, so take things slowly. If you need to move their food, water, or litter box, do it gradually. When moving to a new home, introduce your cat to one room first, then slowly let them explore more spaces. If you’re adding a new pet, start by separating them and let them get used to each other’s scent through a door.
During transitions, comfort your cat with familiar objects like their favorite bed, toys, or scratching post. These items can help them feel secure, especially if a new person or pet is in the house, or if they’ve lost a companion.
Create a cozy, personal space for your cat, like a perch or a quiet corner, where they can feel safe. Spend time playing and interacting with them to reduce stress, and provide fun toys or puzzles to keep them entertained when you’re not around. And always keep their litter box clean to avoid added stress.
If your cat shows signs of anxiety, respond with soft words, gentle petting, and treats. Never punish them or force them into a crate, as this will only increase their stress. With care and understanding, you can help your cat feel more at ease in any situation.